Indian Scout review, test ride

Indian Motorcycle’s comeback bike the Indian Chief Classic, changed the way I perceived big and old school cruisers. It was fascinating to find that an XXL-sized behemoth could be fun and genuinely companionable, even in Indian conditions. At the end of that ride, I harboured hopes of taking an Indian Chief for a long tour. So, when Indian announced their next bike, it sounded very exciting for a modern urban rider - a smaller, more manageable and more hi-tech bike - the Scout. To get our first taste of the India-bound Scout, we headed to the country that the “Fastest Indian”, Burt Monro, called home, New Zealand.  

Classic, but cool

The Scout is a classic cruiser. From its shape to the chrome treatment, there’s no mistaking its traditional cruiser soul. The tapering down of the design as you move rearwards is inspired from the Scouts of the 1920s. But, what multiplies its charisma and makes it truly standout is the brisk modern edge evident in the overall package. The swept tank and the bobbed fenders boast of strong lines. The liquid cooled engine gets chrome trim on it to mimic the parallel lines of the pushrods seen on old Scouts. While there is lots of chrome, the fork sliders and triple clamps are all finished in black. 

The solo saddle looks beautiful and is equally well finished. However, I do wish that the black triple clamps and the finish for the cast alloy frame were better done. Also, concealed cables for the controls on the handlebar would have been divine. In size, the Scout is comparable with Harley Davidson’s Forty Eight, so it isn’t the big cruiser to impress bystanders with. However, the chunky front tyre helps it look more weighty.